December 31, 2000


What are good layers to wear under a drytop?

Have you ever been rafting in the winter or early spring when the water is freezing? I'm looking for gear that's good for layering under drytops and pants but that's not too expensive. I was also looking for good water shoes that have a Gore-Tex lining too. Thank you very much!

— Crystal Magee Guffey, Colorado

Not rafting, but some sea kayaking. Basically, of course, you want to layer up as if you were going out into cold rain or snow. I'd start with mid-weight underwear, something like Patagonia's Midweight Capilene (crew shirt, $38; bottoms, also $38). That's a very versatile item—you can wear midweight for all sorts of things, and it may be all you need for below the waist. Above the waist, I'd probably lean toward 200-weight Polartec or its equivalent (300 weight if it's going to be much below freezing). You can get something basic such as REI's Polartec 200 Jacket ($55), or a little more exotic such as Cloudveil's Run Don't Walk Pullover ($115), which is made of a stretch fleece. Combined with the drytop, that combination ought to keep you pretty toasty. For very cold weather, look into a Primaloft-insulated sweater, such as L.L. Bean's All-Conditions Primaloft Jacket ($149). That's a great piece for wet and damp conditions, and should fit under a drytop.

As for shoes, I don't see the point in looking for something with a Gore-Tex lining—rafting shoes will inevitably be submerged, so a waterproof membrane is useless. I'd get some neoprene diver's boots, such as Peformance's 6mm Hardsole Bootie ($39). Or, a watersport-specific shoe, such as Tecnica's Barracuda ($70).

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